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True Champions

One in 3,500 boys are impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal disease for which there is no cure. That’s why more than 250 ladies and gents came together for the Champions to CureDuchenne gala at the Balboa Bay Resort. It was an evening to raise funds for research, but it also gave guests the chance to honor the nonprofit’s work over the past 10 years. Valerie Roos, Kurtis Jones, and Sarah and Tom McElroy recognized business exec Doug Freeman for his support, and they applauded Tyler Armstrong, a 10-yearold boy who climbs the world’s highest peaks (the likes of Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua) to help expand awareness. There were also rousing auctions and a gourmet dinner, and then former American Idol contestant Sarah Burgess took the stage. She performed a song she’d written for those living with Duchenne—and her rallying cry helped bring in $360,000 for the cause. -Photos by Patrick Rogers